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United States Patent |
5,714,808
|
Ansel
,   et al.
|
February 3, 1998
|
Touch control supply system for an electrical device, method of
implementation and applications
Abstract
A system for supplying at least one electrical apparatus with a touch
control. The system may be utilized in a home automation system for
supplying electrical equipment, e.g., light bulbs, motors, strip lights,
electrical power points, etc., or may be utilized to form part of
equipment, e.g., a lamp, lamp stand, etc. The system may include treated
zones formed by chemical treatment of an electrically insulating support
material to provide the zones with a reduced electrical impedance to allow
leakage current flow. The treated zones may be electrically coupled to a
detection input of an electrical control circuit to allow the leakage
current to be detected by the detection input and enable the electrical
control circuit to control a switch in accordance with the leakage
currents, which are generated in the treated zone when a user touches the
treated zone.
Inventors:
|
Ansel; Daniel (Toulouse, FR);
Neri; Christian (Pibrac, FR)
|
Assignee:
|
Tactilis (Empeaux, FR)
|
Appl. No.:
|
501049 |
Filed:
|
August 18, 1995 |
PCT Filed:
|
February 9, 1994
|
PCT NO:
|
PCT/FR94/00150
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371 Date:
|
August 18, 1995
|
102(e) Date:
|
August 18, 1995
|
PCT PUB.NO.:
|
WO94/19918 |
PCT PUB. Date:
|
September 1, 1994 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
Current U.S. Class: |
307/116; 307/112; 307/157; 315/362; 323/904; 327/517 |
Intern'l Class: |
H05B 039/08 |
Field of Search: |
307/116,112,157
315/362
323/904
327/517
200/52 R
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
Re33285 | Jul., 1990 | Kunen | 307/116.
|
3641410 | Feb., 1972 | Vogelsberg | 388/830.
|
4507716 | Mar., 1985 | Benedict, Jr. | 362/295.
|
4723080 | Feb., 1988 | Cline et al. | 307/116.
|
4764708 | Aug., 1988 | Roudeski | 315/51.
|
4878107 | Oct., 1989 | Hopper | 257/415.
|
5166482 | Nov., 1992 | Li | 200/52.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
2641105 | Mar., 1978 | DE.
| |
3620984 | Mar., 1987 | DE.
| |
2249378 | May., 1992 | GB.
| |
8807291 | Sep., 1988 | WO.
| |
Primary Examiner: Elms; Richard T.
Assistant Examiner: Paladini; Albert W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of French
Patent Application No. 93/01881, filed Feb. 18, 1993.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for providing a system that feeds at least one electric unit
controllable by touch, comprising:
connecting the at least one electric unit to an electrical source through a
power line;
coupling a static switch in the power line to be selectably open or closed;
controlling the static switch with an electronic circuit having a detection
input, the electronic circuit generating control pulses of the static
switch as a function of leakage currents of low intensity detected at the
detection input;
coupling the detection input to a support comprising an electrically
insulating material and including at least one zone;
chemically treating the support to reduce an electrical impedance of the at
least one zone to below a predetermined level to conduct the leakage
currents;
electrically coupling the detection input to the at least one zone;
providing the at least one zone with an access portion to be touched by a
user to generate the leakage currents; and
operating the at least one electric unit in accordance with the leakage
currents occurring at the detection input.
2. The process according to claim 1, locating in series with the detection
input a device for measuring variations of the leakage current
.DELTA.i/.DELTA.t; and
inhibiting the leakage current when the measured variations are less than a
predetermined threshold.
3. The process according to claim 1, polarizing the at least one zone by
coupling each at least one zone to the electric source through a
resistance bridge and across a diode bridge.
4. The process according to claim 1, coupling an electronic power dimmer to
the static switch; and
controlling the electronic power dimmer in accordance with the leakage
currents detected at the detection input.
5. The process according to claim 4, the electronic control circuit
comprising a CMOS circuit that delivers control pulses as a function of
the leakage currents.
6. The process according to claim 1, the electrical impedance of the at
least one zone having a value less than 20 megohms.
7. The process according to claim 6, the electrical impedance of the at
least one zone having a value of approximately 5 megohms.
8. The process according to claim 1, coupling a resistance bridge,
comprising a plurality of resistance elements, between the detection input
and the electric source; and
adjusting the value of the resistances elements as a function of the
electrical impedance of the at least one zone.
9. The process according to claim 1, chemically treating the support with
one of an ionic solution.
10. The process according to claim 9, the ionic solution comprising one of
an acid solution, a saturated saline solution, an iron perchloride, a
hydrochloric acid, and a chloride-base aqueous solution.
11. The process according to claim 1 producing a lamp controllable by
touch, the support comprising a hollow base for the lamp;
chemically treating an entire interior wall of the hollow base, except a
bottom portion, to form a treatment zone having a reduced impedance;
connecting the electronic circuit and the static switch to the hollow base;
and
electrically coupling the detection input to the treatment zone.
12. The process according to claim 11, the chemically treating of the
hollow base comprising:
inverting the hollow base;
positioning, for a predetermined period, the hollow base in a bath of ionic
solution to a level to form the treatment zone.
13. The process according to claim 1 feeding at least one electrical unit
in a building, the support comprising at least one wall of the building;
positioning the power line on an interior surface of said at least one
wall;
chemically treating the at least one wall to form a treatment zone having a
reduced impedance;
positioning the electronic control circuit adjacent the treatment zone; and
electrically connecting the detection input to the treatment zone.
14. The process according to claim 13, further comprising:
controlling the at least one electrical unit from a plurality of locations
within the building;
the controlling from a plurality of locations comprising chemically
treating at least one wall with at least one of treatment zone to form a
plurality of treatment zones in the building;
forming each of the plurality of treatment zones so that an end of each of
the plurality of treatment zones is positioned adjacent the electronic
control circuit; and
electrically coupling each of the plurality of treatment zones to the
detection input.
15. The process according to claim 13, further comprising:
chemically treating the walls with an ionic solution to form the treatment
zone.
16. The process according to claim 1, the support comprising a material
including at least one of wood, ceramic, stoneware, porcelain, sandstone,
plastic, glass, granite, marble, plaster, cement, concrete, baked clay,
paper, fabric, leather, rubber, paint, and synthetic foam.
17. A feed system for at least one electric unit, comprising:
a power line connecting the at least one electric unit to an electric power
source;
a module comprising a static switch coupled to the power line and to be
selectably open or closed and an electronic control circuit, coupled to
the static switch and having a detection input;
the electronic control circuit generating control pulses of the static
switch as a function of leakage currents of low intensity detected at the
detection input;
a support, comprising an electrically insulating material, coupled to the
detection input;
at least one zone formed in the support by chemical treatment to reduce an
impedance of the zone to conduct leakage currents;
the at least one zone being electrically coupled to the detection input and
including an access portion to be touched by a user to generate the
leakage currents;
the electronic control circuit operating the at least one electric unit in
accordance with the leakage currents generated.
18. Feed system according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises,
arranged in series on the detection input of the electronic control
circuit, or measurement device for measuring the variations of the leakage
current .DELTA.i/.DELTA.t and inhibiting the said leakage current in the
case of variations less than a predetermined threshold.
19. Feed system according to claim 18, characterized in that the
measurement device comprise a sampler blocker (13.sub.c) and its control
unit (13.sub.c) in order to memorize the leakage current at the frequency
of the electric power source, a differentiator receiving the signal from
the sampler blocker and delivering at the frequency of the electric source
an image signal of the variation of the leakage current, and a comparator
receiving the signal from the differentiator and a reference signal so as
to deliver an inhibiting or validating signal depending upon the spacing
between the signals received.
20. Feed system according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises
polarization means connected to the electric power source and comprising a
diode bridge for the polarization of the reduced impedance zones and a
transformer having two secondary windings for the feeding of the
measurement device.
21. Feed system according to claim 17, in which the module comprises and
electronic power dimmer interposed on the power line, electronic control
circuit being adapted to control the said dimmer as a function of the
leakage currents appearing at its detection input.
22. Feed system according to claim 17 characterized in that the reduced
impedance zone of the support has between its accessible portion and the
detection input an impedance with a value less than 20 megaohms and
preferably between 0.1 and 5 megaohms.
23. Feed system according to claim 17, characterized in that the electronic
control circuit is equipped with a resistance bridge of adaptable
resistors connected between the detection input and the output connected
to the electric source.
24. The feed system according to claim 21, the electronic control circuit
comprising a CMOS module.
25. A lamp controllable by touch comprising:
a hollow base comprising an electrically insulating material, the
electrically insulating material being chemically treated to form a
treated zone in which an impedance over an entire interior surface except
a bottom portion is reduced;
a lighting element carried by the hollow base;
an electrical feed cable to couple the lighting element to an electrical
outlet;
a module comprising a static switch and a power dimmer coupled to the
lighting element, and an electronic control circuit, comprising a
detection input, controlling the static switch and power dimmer as a
function of leakage currents detected at the detection input;
the module being electrically coupled to the treated zone;
the detection input coupled to a leakage current variation detector that
inhibits detection of leakage currents at the detection input when a
leakage current variation is below a predetermined threshold.
26. A home automation system for feeding at least one electrical unit
comprising:
an electric feed line, coupled to the at least one electrical unit, carried
by one or more walls of a building;
each of the one or more walls of the building comprising an insulating
material;
at least one module comprising a switch and a power dimmer coupled to the
at least one electrical unit, and an electrical control circuit,
comprising a detection input, controlling the switch and power dimmer as a
function of leakage currents detected at the detection input;
at least one of the one or more walls of the building being chemically
treated to form a treated strip having a reduced impedance to conduct the
leakage currents;
the treated strip comprising a portion adjacent the electronic circuit and
electrically coupled to the detection input;
the portion, to be touched by a user, generating the leakage currents;
a leakage current variation detector, coupled between the portion and the
detection input, detecting variations in the leakage current and
inhibiting the detection of leakage current at the detection input when
the leakage current variation is below a predetermined threshold.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of French
Patent Application No. 93/01881, filed Feb. 18, 1993.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process of implementing a system for feeding an
electrical unit such as a lighting unit, electrical outlet, relay,
electromechanical switch, contactor, electric motor, etc., making it
possible to control by touch the powering up or powering down of the said
unit and, where necessary, causing variations of intensity of the feed
current thereto. The invention extends to installations thus manufactured
as well as to preferred applications particularly in the field of home
automation or that of the manufacture of lamps and light fittings.
2. Discussion of Background Information
Electronic apparatus which make it possible to control a lighting element
by simple touch of a sensitive conductor element are known. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,959, describes an electric lamp control module which
makes it possible to turn it on or off by touching a metallic shaft.
"SIEMENS" manufactures and sells an electronic module under the reference
"CMOS DIMMER SLB0586" which comprises a static interrupter switch, an
electronic power dimmer and an electronic control circuit of these
components; this circuit is provided with a detection input connected to a
metallic bonding pad forming a tactile sensor so as to deliver control
pulses which are a function of the currents which are caused on the said
input detection when an operator touches the metallic bonding pad; these
impulses are configured by the control circuit in a manner so as to open
or close the static switch in case of brief contact on the metallic
bonding pad, or to control a cyclic variation of the power at the output
of the dimmer in case of prolonged contact. Such a control module is
formed by the manufacturer to be utilized in particular in the home
automation field so as to replace wall switches, and to make it possible
to turn on or off a lighting element, and to adjust the brightness thereof
without any element undergoing mechanical displacement. The control module
is generally imbedded in the wall or applied to it (in place of the
electromechanical switch) in a manner such that its metallic bonding pad
is apparent; the power system of the lighting element remains otherwise
traditional; it requires, in particular, the positioning of power
conductors connecting the lighting element, the control module whose
metallic bonding pad serves as a contactor, and the electrical feed
network.
Furthermore, this type of module is used in French Utility Certificate
2,574,157 to a mood lamp having a metallic base, the latter playing the
role of a tactile sensor in order to create leakage currents when the
operator touches it. However, this use remains very limited because few
lamps have a metallic base adapted for this application. To overcome this
limitation, U.S. Pat. 4,507,716 and German Patent 2,641,105 envision
coating an insulating lamp base so as to render it conductive, or to equip
it with a conductive sheet or conductive electrodes, the control module
having a sensitive input which is electrically connected to these
conductive elements. However, these transformations which the lamps must
undergo are costly and modify the appearance thereof, and are not possible
for old lamps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to apply in a novel fashion the
control modules of the type mentioned above so as to form feed systems of
novel design, adapted to lead, particularly in the field of home
automation, to considerable advantages, particularly a notable
simplification of the power lines, to a reduction of the technical
constraints, and to important savings on installation costs (reduction and
even elimination of grooves, moldings, wiring ducts, . . . ). Another
objective of the invention is to increase considerably the possibilities
of application of such modules, in particular application to lamps having
an insulating base, various applications in home automation, certain
industrial applications, application for the control of certain electronic
equipment.
The process of the invention for manufacturing a feed system for at least
one electric unit allowing for a touch control thereof is of the type in
which one connects the said electric unit to an electric power source by
means of a power line, one interposes a static switch on the said power
line in a manner so as to be able to open or close it, and one controls
the said static switch by means of an electronic circuit provided with a
detection input, this electronic circuit being adapted to cause switching
of the said static switch as a function of the low intensity leakage
currents appearing at its detection input; according to the process of the
present invention, one connects the detection input of the electronic
control circuit to a support made out of a material of electrically
insulating nature, and one subjects the said support to a chemical
treatment in a manner so as to reduce the electrical impedance of one of
its zones beneath a threshold adapted such that the said zone is capable
of conducting the leakage currents, the said chemical treatment of the
support being carried out in a manner such that the reduced impedance zone
is insulated on the electrical plane, that it is placed into electrical
contact with the detection input of the electronic circuit and that it has
a portion accessible to the touch, in a manner so as to allow for the
appearance of leakage currents during touching of the said portion by an
operator.
By "operator", it is meant a human being as well as an electrical equipment
of some sort adapted to be displaced to come into contact with the
accessible portion of the treated zone. In home automation or applications
related to lamps and light fittings which are more particularly described
below, the operator will generally be a person touching with his finger
the accessible portion of the treated zone; in certain industrial
applications (end of extent apparatus for example), the operator can be a
spur positioned on a movable unit to come into contact with this treated
zone.
According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, one interposes in
series on the detection input of the electronic control circuit, means for
measuring the variations of the leakage current .DELTA.i/.DELTA.t and to
inhibit the said leakage current in case of variations less than a
predetermined threshold.
One thus suppresses the appearance of parasitic leakage currents, due for
example to climactic variations (temperature, humidity), which could
accidentally set off the control of the electric unit: these parasitic
leakage currents present in effect slow variations and are inhibited by
the above means.
According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, one
polarizes the one or more reduced impedance zones by connecting them to
the electric power source across a resistance bridge (R.sub.1, R.sub.2)
and a diode bridge (D.sub.1) in a manner such that the one or more zones
is permanently referenced to the phase of the electrical supply. The
installation can thus be plugged into the electrical power supply
(electrical power network or other) without being preoccupied with the
direction of connection phase/neutral.
At the static switch interposed on the power line, it is possible to
associate an electronic power dimmer; the electronic control circuit is
thus adapted to control the said dimmer as a function of the leakage
currents appearing at its detection input so as to allow for variations of
intensity of the feed current of the electric unit. In particular, it is
possible to utilize an electronic circuit of the type "CMOS DIMMER
SLB0586" manufactured by the "SIEMENS" firm adapted to deliver towards the
static switch and the power dimmer control pulses which are a function of
the leakage currents. In this circuit, the switching and dimming functions
are assured by a Triac whose gate receives control pulses created by an
integrated circuit. It is thus possible not only to obtain a turning on
and turning off of the electric unit, but further to vary the feed power
thereto. One can thus, by touching it, adjust the intensity of lighting of
a lamp or the speed of rotation of a motor. In this type of circuit, the
cyclic variation of power is obtained by an extended contact on the
accessible portion of the treated zone, the operator stopping the contact
when the power reaches the desired value; the closure or the opening of
the power line is obtained by a rapid contact.
According to one preferred embodiment, one chemically treats the support in
a manner such that the electrical impedance of the zone positioned between
the accessible portion and the detection input has a value less than a
threshold on the order of 20 megaohms and preferably on the order of 5
megaohms. In particular, a value included between 0.1 and 5 megaohms gives
good results in most of the applications (absence of spurious release;
sure and reproductive control during touching, producing leakage currents
sufficient to be detected by the electronic circuit and to engender the
generation of control pulses of the static switch or of the dimmer).
Preferably, one equips the electronic control circuit with a resistive
bridge composed of resistors, connected between the detection input and
the electric source; in each application, the resistance values of this
bridge can thus be adjusted as a function of the impedance between the
accessible portion and the detection input, in order to optimize the
appearance of the leakage currents.
According to the application, the support of an insulating nature is
constituted by a base, possibly a lamp shade, a wall, a partition or a
ceiling home automation or by any other insulating element (touch keys, .
. .); this support can be made out of an insulating material of a very
diverse type and in particular of wood, ceramic, stoneware, porcelain,
sandstone, plastic material, glass, granite, marble, plaster, cement,
concrete, baked clay, paper, fabric, leather, rubber, paint, synthetic
foam or of a derivative of these materials. In one preferred mode of
application, the support is treated by means of an ionic solution, in
particular acid solution or saturated saline solution; one will preferably
utilize an iron perchloride, hydrochloric acid, or a chloride-base aqueous
solution. Tests have made it possible to observe that the impregnation of
the zone of the support to be treated by means of said solutions during
durations as a function of the nature of the support make it possible to
reduce the impedance of this zone to confer to it a satisfactory value in
the ranges of values elicited above, and this, in a permanent manner.
The process of the invention can in particular be applied to form a touch
controllable lamp, comprising a hollow base made out of a material of an
electrically insulating nature and a lighting element carried by the said
base; in this application:
the wall of the hollow base is treated chemically to reduce the impedance
thereof over the entire surface with the exception of the lower portion
adapted to serve as a footing,
the electronic circuit, the static switch and if necessary the power dimmer
are secured within the base, the detection input being electrically
connected to the interior surface thereof at the level of the treated
zone.
According to an alternative, it is the lampshade which is made out of
insulating material (fabric, cardboard, plastic material) which is
chemically treated to allow the control. In this case, the detection input
is connected to the treated zone of the lampshade, for example by a
conductive wire carried within the lampshade by the support of the latter.
The process of the invention can likewise be applied to achieve in a
building power supply of at least one electric unit, in particular a bulb,
strip light or electric outlet; in this application:
one connects the electric unit to the network by a power line at least in
part carried by one or more walls of the building, which are formed out of
a material of an electrically insulating nature, the electronic circuit,
the static switch and in the occurrence the dimmer module being associated
with the said power line,
one subjects the one or more walls to a chemical treatment along at least
one continuous strip to form the reduced impedance zone, the said chemical
treatment being carried such that the said strip has a portion close to
the electronic circuit and a portion accessible to the touch,
one electrically connects the portion close to the electronic circuit to
the detection input of the circuit,
one forms a marking of the portion accessible to the touch so as to allow
for referencing.
Such a system can likewise serve to feed certain motors utilized in home
automation (motors of rolling shades, motors of fans, . . . ).
In such a system, the power lines can remain inaccessible (lines lodged
between floor and ceiling, or between partitions, . . . ): these lines
without any surface extension (at least extensions of significant length)
are easy to position in a traditional manner without it being necessary to
provide grooves, moldings. . . on the wall surfaces; the controls occur in
the absence of electric wires (at least of significant length) by virtue
of treated strips of reduced impedance, which are formed directly on the
walls of the building in a manner so as to connect the detection input of
the electronic circuit and the portion accessible to the touch. These
strips obtained by simple impregnation are invisible after drying and
impose no particular technical drawback, the accessible portion being
simply indicated such that the user can touch it with the finger. It is
appropriate to note that this portion includes no attached element, such
as a contactor or metallic bonding pad which is imbedded or projecting.
Of course, a plurality of electric elements can be controlled from several
portions accessible by virtue of a network of continuous treated strips
having a reduced impedance, the said network connecting the accessible
portions and the electronic circuits associated with diverse electric
units to be controlled according to an arrangement which is a function of
the desired control plane.
The process of the invention can likewise be applied for the control of
certain electronic materials, for example keys made of insulating material
of computer keys, telecopier keys, telephone keys, typewriter keys . . .
The keys or portions thereof (which are then affixed in the absence of any
movable switch) are treated to lower their impedance and are connected to
the detection inputs of the electronic control circuits; this linkage can
occur through a conductor or by chemical treatment of zones of the support
means which carry the said keys, so as to lower the impedance thereof.
The invention extends to the installations formed by embodying the process
defined above: home automation system for feeding electric units in a
building, lamp and light fitting system having fixed keys for the control
of electronic equipment or others . . .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention disclosed above in its general form will be better understood
upon reading the description which follows and upon examining the annexed
drawings which present byway of non-limiting example embodiments thereof;
in these drawings:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a system according to the
invention, arranged in a home to feed various electrical units thereof,
FIG. 2 is a schematic view in detail of a circuit,
FIG. 3 partially schematically illustrates a treated strip and its
accessible portion,
FIG. 4 illustrates the treatment operation of this strip,
FIGS. 5 and 6 are are block diagrams of electronic units which are used to
equip the circuit,
FIG. 7 is a schematic view in axial cross section of a lamp according to
the invention,
FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the said lamp on a larger scale, and
FIG. 9 illustrates the treatment operation of the base of the said lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The electronic feed system schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises
electrical power lines such as L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3, L.sub.4 which
are connected to the France Electric (E.D.F.) power network across normal
equipment located in a box 1 (circuit breakers, meters. . .). These lines
feed various electric units within the home, in the example a lightbulb
G.sub.1 housed in a globe, a motor G.sub.2 of a rolling shade, strip
lights G.sub.3 and G'.sub.3 positioned in parallel and outlets G.sub.4,
G'.sub.4, G".sub.4 position in parallel.
The power lines L.sub.1 . . . L.sub.4 are arranged so as to connect the
units that they feed, by the shortest and most practical path without
utilizing command switches. For example, the line L.sub.1 is first applied
vertically to the rear of a wall (in particular in the space provided for
this purpose in the current construction processes), then runs above a
false ceiling. The power line passes in the vicinity of a wall P.sub.1
acting as a plaster partition (pre-fabricated elements or wall formed of
construction materials whose surface is plastered); in this portion, the
line L.sub.1 is equipped with an electronic module M.sub.1 of the type
"CMOS DIMMER SLB0586" sold by "SIEMENS". In an analog manner, the line
L.sub.2 is equipped with an analogous module M.sub.2 in the vicinity of
the wall P.sub.2 that one can assume to be coated with a wallpaper; the
line L.sub.3 is equipped with a module M.sub.3 adjacent to wall P.sub.3
assumed to be covered with brick facing; line L.sub.4 is equipped with a
module M.sub.4 positioned at the base of the wall P.sub.3.
The line L.sub.1 and its module M.sub.1 are symbolically shown in FIG. 2.
The module comprises:
a printed circuit C.sub.i essentially composed, on the one hand, of a Triac
associated with an electronic power so as to act as a static switch and
dimmer, on the other hand, an electronic control circuit in order to
assure the control of the Triac,
a circuit H.sub.i for measuring and inhibiting leakage current, connected
to the detection input of the circuit C.sub.i in order to measure the
leakage current variations .DELTA.i/.DELTA.t and to inhibit the leakage
current in case of variations beneath a predetermined threshold,
a polarization circuit PO.sub.i for continuously feeding the measurement
circuit H.sub.i and polarizing the treated zones of reduced impedance,
finally a resistance bridge symbolically shown by resistances R.sub.1 and
R.sub.2, connected on the measurement circuit H.sub.i and on the
polarization circuit PO.sub.i as schematically shown in FIG. 2.
The resistances R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of the bridge are adjusted to a value
close to 10.times.10.sup.6 ohms for the resistor R.sub.1 and
0.3.times.10.sup.6 -0.8.times.10.sup.6 ohms for resistor R.sub.2.
The detection input E.sub.d is connected across measurement circuit H.sub.i
and the resistance bridge R.sub.i to the surface of the wall P.sub.i by
means of an attachment element driven into the upper portion F of this
wall adjacent to the module M.sub.1. This attachment element comprises a
metallic head to allow for the passage of leakage currents.
The wall P.sub.1 is treated along a continuous strip B.sub.1 having a width
of one to several centimeters. This strip extends from the portion F close
to module M.sub.1 up to a lower portion A.sub.1 accessible by the users.
The treatment of the zone B.sub.1 of the wall can be achieved by
impregnation by means of an application instrument T such as schematically
shown in FIG. 4 (or possibly by means of a paintbrush) .
This impregnation is achieved by spreading over the width of the strip
B.sub.1 an ionic solution, in particular an aqueous iron perchloride
aqueous solution, of a density on the order of 1.3. The impregnation
occurs over several applications; after drying, the impedance between the
portion F and the portion A.sub.1 is measured and one observes that its
impedance is no longer infinite (as was the case for the initial plaster
partition) but is lowered; the ionic treatment of the strip B.sub.1
(number of impregnations) is achieved until reaching after drying an
impedance having a value between 0.1 and 5 megaohms between the two
above-mentioned portions.
Furthermore, the accessible portion A.sub.1 is marked by any means so as to
make it possible to locate it (after drying the strip B.sub.1 is no longer
visible). For example, a border can be drawn or glued around this portion
A.sub.1.
The other feed lines L.sub.2 . . . are treated in an analogous manner such
that the walls concerned P.sub.2 . . . are provided with continuous strips
B.sub.2 . . . of reduced impedance connecting the detection inputs of the
concerned circuits to accessible portions A.sub.2 . . . which are
referenced on the concerned walls.
It is possible, as is the case of module M.sub.2 which is associated to the
feed line L.sub.2 of the rolling shade G.sub.2, to treat two (or more)
continuous strips B.sub.2, B'.sub.2 which are connected in a manner so as
to have a common portion close to module M.sub.2, a common portion to
which is connected the detection input of the said module. Each continuous
strip B.sub.2, B'.sub.2 has a referenced accessible portion A.sub.2,
A'.sub.2 : it is thus possible to control the electric element concerned
from several portions situated at different locations. If necessary, the
treated continuous strip can have an accessible portion of substantial
length (extending in particular in the horizontal direction) in order to
allow for a touch control at any point of this portion, this accessible
portion being of course referenced over its length by any appropriate
means.
Several elements in parallel can be controlled simultaneously from a single
accessible portion, as is the case for the strip lights G.sub.3 and
G'.sub.3 which are powered by line L.sub.3 and controlled from portion
A.sub.3 of the treated strip B.sub.3 which is connected to the detection
input module M.sub.3. The arrangement is analogous for outlets G.sub.4,
G'.sub.4 and G".sub.4.
Various configurations of the continuous strips can be combined to obtain a
desired control plane; the one or more walls of the building are then
treated along a network of continuous strips which are connected to the
detection inputs of an electronic module assembly and which have
accessible portions positioned along the control plane desired.
The touch of an accessible portion by a user causes the appearance of
leakage currents of very low intensity along the one or more continuous
strips which are connected to this accessible portion and over the one or
more detection inputs of the associated electronic circuits; these
currents are translated into the one or more circuits by control pulses of
the one or more Triacs which cause an opening or closing of the one or
more power lines concerned or a variation of the transmitted power.
The measurement circuit H.sub.i serves to avoid that small variations of
the leakage current are taken into account, in particular slow variations
due to climactic modifications (humidity, temperature). These slow
modifications by their nature cause variations of leakage current which
spread out over several minutes and the measurement circuit H.sub.i
inhibits them. The variation threshold .DELTA.i/.DELTA.t beyond which the
leakage current is validated can be on the order of 10.sup.-6 amperes per
second: one is thus assured that a signal (representative of the
appearance of a sufficient leakage current) is created on the detection
input of circuit C.sub.i only in the case of voluntary action on the
portion A.sub.1.
An embodiment of the measurement circuit H.sub.i is shown in FIG. 5. The
feed of this circuit (not shown in this Figure) is formed continuously by
the polarization circuit PO.sub.i (whose example is described below with
reference to FIG. 6).
The resistance bridge (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) translates the leakage current
into a voltage signal which is sampled by an impedance adaptor 11 of
classical type. At the outlet of adaptor 11, the voltage image of the
leakage current is treated by a high pass filter 12 which suppresses the
continuous component so as to center the signal.
The signal is then memorized by a sampler blocker 13; the control unit 13c
of this sampler delivers a control pulse to the frequency of the network
so as to achieve the memorization at this frequency. The signal image of
the leakage current is a monoalternating signal (by virtue of the
polarization achieved by the circuit PO.sub.i) and the maximum value of
the signal is thus memorized by the blocking sampler (in itself of
conventional structure). The signal from the sampler 13 is treated by a
low pass filter 14 which suppresses the high parasitic frequencies and by
an amplifier 15 which adjusts the maximum amplitude of it.
The signal thus treated is delivered to the input of a differentiator 16
which calculates the derivative thereof and furnishes at the output an
image signal of the variation of the leakage current to the network
frequency. This signal is compared in a comparator 17 to a reference
signal generated by a reference generator 18, so as to deliver at the
output a logic signal which is a function of the position of the input
signal with respect to the reference signal: the signal from comparator 17
pilots an output stage 19 constituted by an optocoupler which delivers
towards the detection input of circuit C.sub.i a null signal in the case
of .DELTA.i/.DELTA.t less than a threshold (10.sup.-6 amperes per second,
for example) or a positive signal adapted to release the circuit C.sub.i
in the contrary case.
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the polarization circuit PO.sub.i. This
circuit makes possible, on the one hand, to polarize across the resistance
bridge R.sub.1, R.sub.2 the reduced impedance zone B.sub.1 so as to
reference it with respect to the phase of the sector and to thus generate
monoalternating leakage currents, on the other hand, to feed the
measurement circuit H.sub.i with a continuous voltage, floating with
respect to the network and referenced with respect to the leakage
currents.
To this end, the circuit PO.sub.i which is connected to the network
comprises a diode bridge D.sub.1 whose output + is connected to the zone
B.sub.1 across the resistance bridge R.sub.1, R.sub.2. Furthermore, a
transformer T.sub.1 has a primary winding connected to the electric
network and two secondary windings connected to conventional regulation
modules RD so as to generate three levels of continuous voltage -12 V, 0
and +12 V to feed the measurement circuit H.sub.i. The level of positive
voltage is referenced at the output of the diode bridge by an electric
connection.
The process of the invention has numerous advantages with respect to
traditional electrical feed process: great flexibility to achieve complex
installations with a minimum of equipment, limitation of technical
drawbacks such as grooves, moldings . . . , substantial simplification of
the layout of the power lines, easiness to modify the control network
without destruction of the walls . . .
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the process of the invention in
the case of a lamp.
This lamp comprises a base S made of a traditional insulating material in
the electrical plane, for example porcelain. This base S is treated by
means of an ionic solution so as to reduce the impedance thereof over the
entire surface S.sub.h with the exception of the base S.sub.b.
This treatment can be performed as schematically shown in FIG. 9 by
inverting the base, by blocking its collar and by pouring the ionic
solution up to the limit of its base Sb. In the example, the solution can
be an aqueous solution of iron perchloride having a density of
approximately 1.3. The solution can be left approximately one hour in the
base. After drying, it is observed that the material has a non-infinite
impedance at the level of the zone S.sub.h ; a measurement by means of an
electrode in contact with the internal surface of the base (zone S.sub.h)
and another electrode positioned at 3 cm from the first in contact with
the external surface of the base (still at the level of the treated zone
S.sub.h) gives an impedance on the order of 10.sup.6 ohms for a Limoges
porcelain (manufacturer "Ceradel-KPCL", reference: "TM10").
The base thus treated is equipped in a conventional manner, with a socket
device 3 at the level of its collar to support and feed a bulb 4. An
electric feed cable 5 provided with an outlet plug 6 extends through the
base and is connected to the socket device 3. This cable carries an
electronic module M.sub.5 (of the same type as the modules M.sub.1 . . .
M.sub.4) interposed on cable 5: the detection input E'.sub.d of this
module M.sub.5 is connected to the internal surface of the base at the
level of the upper treated zone S.sub.h, by means of spring shafts 7, 8
made of metallic material (for example in a number of three at 120
degrees). The module M.sub.5 can be affixed on these shafts with its
detection input E'.sub.d welded thereon. Shafts 7 and 8 are arranged to
come into contact with the internal surface of the base (treated zone
S.sub.h) through a non-point zone.
In the example described, the resistors are R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of the
resistance bridge of the module M.sub.5 can be adjusted to the following
values: R.sub.1 =10.times.10.sup.6 ohms; R.sub.2 =0.5.times.10.sup.6 ohms.
Furthermore, in the example, a layer 9 made of electrically insulating
material (for example foam of synthetic material) is glued to the base of
the base to close it and improve the quality of electrical insulation of
the base which serves as a footing.
The lamp can be completed in a conventional manner with a lampshade 10
supported by the socket device 3.
When an operator touches the external surface of the base at the level of
the treated zone S.sub.h (that is to say at the level of the entire
surface with the exception of the base portion S.sub.b), he creates
leakage currents of very small intensity across the wall of the base, the
shafts 7 and 8 and the detection input of the module M.sub.5. As
previously, these leakage currents are translated by the electronic
circuit of the module in the form of control pulses which generate an
electric opening or closing on cable 5, or a variation of the power
transmitted.
Furthermore, treatment tests have been performed with different types of
electrically insulating material, in order to reduce the impedance thereof
and to render them able to conduct leakage currents capable of releasing
the above-noted electronic modules. These tests have consisted of
obtaining in these materials strip-shaped test pieces, to measure the
impedance on the one hand between two points of the same surface spaced by
3.6 centimeters (Z.sub.1), on the other hand, between two points facing
two surfaces (Z.sub.2), to treat the test pieces by means of ionic
solutions I.sub.1, I.sub.2 placed into contact with a surface during a
time T and to measure again the impedance between the points Z'.sub.1,
Z'.sub.2.
The solution I.sub.1 is constituted by pure hydrochloric acid. The solution
I.sub.2 is constituted by an aqueous iron perchloride solution (density:
1.33).
Tests of operation of an electronic module "SIEMENS CMOS DIMMER SLB0586"
have been conducted with non-treated test pieces and treated test pieces.
In all cases, the impedances Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 of the non-treated test
pieces are too elevated to allow for the passage of sufficient leakage
currents sufficient to set off the module; on the other hand, with the
treated test piece, one obtains a reproducible operation of the module
(the resistances R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of the resistance bridge of the
module have the following values in these tests: R.sub.1
=20.2.times.10.sup.6 ohms; R.sub.2 =0.47.times.10.sup.6 ohms).
The table below summarizes the results obtained.
__________________________________________________________________________
Type Ionic
Duration
of test Z.sub.1
Z.sub.2
solution
T of the
Z'.sub.1
Z'.sub.2
piece Thickness
ohms ohms used treatment
ohms ohms
__________________________________________________________________________
stoneware
10 mm
226 .times. 10.sup.6
45 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.1
20 minutes
1.2 .times. 10.sup.6
10.sup.6
stoneware
10 mm
226 .times. 10.sup.6
45 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2
20 minutes
10.sup.6
10.sup.6
enamelled
10 mm
226 .times. 10.sup.6
45 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2
20 minutes
10.sup.6
6 .times. 10.sup.6
stoneware on
(non (non
the surface
enamelled enamelled
surface) surface)
double
6 mm
555 .times. 10.sup.6
85 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2
-- 6.3 .times. 10.sup.6
5 .times. 10.sup.6
thickness
glass
treatment
between the
thicknesses
wood 8 mm
49 .times. 10.sup.6
46 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2
60 minutes
-- 13 .times. 10.sup.6
(cottonwood)
plaster
35 mm
19 .times. 10.sup.6
21 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2 brush
-- 1.2 .times. 10.sup.6
10.7 .times. 10.sup.6
one layer
porcelain
10 mm
222 .times. 10.sup.6
58 .times. 10.sup.6
1.sub.2
20 minutes
10.times..sup.6
10.sup.6
wallpaper or
-- 19 .times. 10.sup.6
-- 1.sub.2 brush
-- 0.29 .times. 10.sup.6
--
plaster dimension one layer
s of
wallpaper
__________________________________________________________________________
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